Northeast Katahdin Hair Sheep Star Flocks to be Distributed
Contact: Dick Brzozowski at 1-800-287-1471; Joe Carr at 581-3571
PORTLAND — As University of Maine and Bowdoin College researchers conclude the first phase of a long-term hair sheep research project, they are making approximately 100 animals available to shepherds in an 11-state region, from Maine to West Virginia. The sheep will be allotted through an application process, with the understanding that successful applicants will agree to continue the research by collaborating with researchers on breeding and marketing issues over the next three years.
The sheep, a unique group of Katahdin Hair Sheep, have been bred to be naturally resistant to the round worm, Haemonchus contortus, an internal
parasite. They are also genetically resistant to the prion disease scrapie. Researchers say the sheep are easy to care for, prolific, and that they produce healthy lambs.
“Sheep from this research flock could be a great starter flock, leading to a profitable sheep enterprise,” says Richard Brzozowski, a Cumberland County
UMaine Cooperative Extension professor. Brzozowski and Bowdoin professor Tom Settlemire have been working on the USDA-funded project since the summer
of 2000.
Those who are selected to receive the sheep will asked for a $500 deposit, for use in purchasing specially selected rams to continue the research project. Shepherds may make arrangements to pay the deposit in installments.
Applications are available to interested shepherds at www.umext.maine.edu. Background information about the Katahdin Star Flock is also available through that website. The application deadline is July 1, 2005.